Julie E. Wollman, PhD
- President of Widener University
Education
- PhD, Education (1991)
New York University - MS, Elementary Education (1985)
University of Pennsylvania - BA, English and American Literature and Language (1981)
Harvard University
About Me
I always try to communicate honestly, clearly, and transparently. A university campus is a community. All members are engaged and truly care about what goes on within the community. Therefore, as a leader, I value and believe it is important to keep everyone informed through good communication.
I believe listening is a critical communication tool for leaders. I host regular listening sessions to understand issues important to the entire campus community, in addition to what we are doing well and what we need to work on. I want all constituents to have a voice and to engage in conversations that help guide my decision-making and keep me focused on continuously improving our institution. In my first two months at Widener nearly 500 people have participated in my listening sessions.
I especially make interacting with students a priority. They energize me. I enjoy learning about what they are doing and working to support them. Knowledge of the high-impact practices, civic engagement activities, and leadership experiences students are engaging in also makes me a better representative of Widener when I am working externally on behalf of the university.
I truly love my work, so I never stop working. I have absolute dedication to consistent excellence and to exceeding expectations!
Publications
- Wollman, J. E. (2020). Women’s leadership: An outdated concept that won’t go away. Journal of Higher Education Management, 35, 115-117.
- Wollman, J. E. and Herschede, K. (2020, Jan/Feb). To improve new board member orientation, flip it! Trusteeship. Washington, DC: Association of Governing Boards.
- Wollman, J.E. (2019, April 23). A burst pipe brings a flood of insights for a university president. The Chronicle of Higher Education.
- Wollman, J.E. (2019, March 15). Universities already protect and promote free speech. The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Wollman, J. E. (2018, November 1). Member Perspective on Leadership Development: Dr. Julie E. Wollman. The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Newsletter.
- Wollman, J. E. (2018, June 10). Second look: New views on talkers. USA Today.
- Wollman, J. E. (2018, Jan 5). Finding common ground and encouraging civil debate. Philadelphia Business Journal.
- Wollman, J. E. (2017, December 12). Is this tax plan a dream-crusher for higher ed’s foodservice workers, maintenance staff and housekeepers? The Hechinger Report.
- Wollman, J. E. (2017, May 1). Are College Students Getting the Attention they Deserve? The Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Wollman, J. E. (2016, October 24). Achieving Lasting Impact. Inside Higher Ed.
- Wollman, J. E. (2016, July 18). Put colleges to work on region’s vexing issues. The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Awards
- Philadelphia Business Journal's People to Watch in 2018.
- Philadelphia Business Journal's 2017 Women of Distinction.
- Main Line Today's Women on the Move, 2017.
- SmartCEO Philadelphia Brava Award, 2017.
- Mercy Center for Women, Women Making History Award, 2015.
- Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania 2014 Woman of Distinction.
News
In the Media
- NBC 10
- The Philadelphia Inquirer
- Diverse Issues in Higher Education
- Philadelphia Business Journal
- NBC 10
Noteworthy
- Interview with President Julie Wollman - The Changing Landscape of Higher Education
Widener University President Julie E. Wollman discusses her presentation to the institution's President's Council, "The Changing Landscape of Higher Education."
The President's Council is the university's premier giving association, made up of alumni, parents friends, faculty, and staff. At a November gathering of the group, Dr. Wollman engaged members in a discussion regarding the challenges facing higher education, their impact on Widener, and the university's strategy for future success.
Share Link: https://www.widener.edu/node/11941/